The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The cause of a headache can be difficult to determine. The doctor will ask about the frequency and pattern of your headaches. To help provide answers, keep a diary of:

When your headaches start and end

What you were doing at the time

What you did to try to relieve pain and how effective the treatment was

Family members with the same condition

Triggers that you are aware of

Where the pain is located and where it spreads to

Other symptoms associated with the pain

Tests to determine the cause of headaches include:

Neurological exam to assess:

Muscle strength

Coordination

Reflexes

Sensation

Mental status

Cranial nerve function

Blood tests—Blood tests may be done to exclude other causes of your headache. These include
blood glucose, a
complete blood count
looking for
anemia
or infection, as well as other studies to potentially look for evidence of inflammation.

Lumbar puncture—During this procedure, spinal fluid is collected to look for bleeding, infections, or cancer.
The opening pressure may also be measured.

Imaging tests are used to evaluate internal structures for abnormalities. Some tests may use contrast material to make structures easier to see. These may include:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.